Driving through the vast expanse of Utah’s Southeastern desert, you come across the small town of Hanksville, home of the Monster Mountain Museum. There’s something about this big country that feels special. It’s other-worldly in many respects, so much so that the Mars Desert Research facility is located near Hanksville, in surroundings that look very much like the surface of Mars. Perhaps it’s the solitude of Hanksville, along with the vast open desert scenery, that brings out the artist in some folks.
Hanksville is located in Wayne county, along state routes 24 and 95. It had just 207 inhabitants as of the last census, though I suspect a good number of solitary “desert rats” may have evaded the count. Outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid once called this area home, hanging out at Robbers Roost, just outside of town.
Unique Metal Art In Hanksville, Utah
Below is some of the unique metal art in the “Monster Mountain Museum” in Hanksville. Here you’ll find everything from whimsical animals to spiritual and inspirational pieces of metal art.
Much of the metal art at the Monster Mountain Museum seems to have been inspired by the Buddhist and Hindu religions.
Just outside of town we found some more art from local “artists”. We wondered how this old RV ended up way out here. Was someone “Breaking Bad”, or did it finally just wear out from driving too many miles?
Nobody Was Home
When we stopped by the Monster Mountain Museum in Hanksville, UT, there seemed to be no one at home. We went ahead and left a suggested donation in the box outside, and then wandered around and took these photos. If you know more about this quirky collection of metal art in the Utah desert, please share it with us by email at [email protected].
